6 Tips to Tighten Your Skin After Pregnancy

1. You may begin to feel embarrassed about your body, and you’re looking for fast “quick fix” ways to lose weight. Do not fall prey to fad diets and eating very little, as these will have unhealthy repercussions in the future.  Experts advise losing weight at a slow and steady pace, for best results that are long lasting.

2. Cardiovascular exercises are a great way to lose weight effectively.  Getting your heart rate up to your targeted number for at least 30 minutes, four (4) times a week is recommended by health care professionals, to lose weight safely and effectively.

3. Consuming more protein on a daily basis is said to build muscles, and skin naturally tightens, when there is more muscle than fat on the body.  Proteins also contain collagen, which is a nutrient that is known to promote good skin care.  Depending on your weight and level of activity performed on a daily basis, this will determine the recommended amount of protein you should be consuming.  On average, though, women should aim for 50 grams of protein per day.

4. Massage therapy and specific massage lotions can be a new mom’s best friend.  Enjoying a relaxing massage, when specialized lotions that have collagen as an ingredient (as well as Vitamin, A, E, C and K), can help to tighten skin around the belly, after giving birth.  The above-mentioned ingredients are very effective in toning skin that has been stretched during pregnancy.  Massage, also improved circulation throughout the body.  Massaging the belly twice a day is recommended for the best results.  Do not forsake the ability to get a full body massage, from a trained professional.

5. Consuming sufficient amounts of water, will help to remove easily toxins from the body that may keep belly skin loose.  Water has so many positive health benefits, including the ability to burn extra fat calories.  In addition, being properly hydrated will make your skin more elastic, and make sure to reduce any buildup of water retention, which can keep skin from tightening.

6. Exfoliate. Exfoliating the skin, on a regular basis, will help to tighten loose skin.  Invest in an exfoliating scrub, and use it across your belly, each and every time you are in the shower.  Exfoliating will increase circulation, as well as regenerate skin.  This is a natural and safe way to tighten the skin in the abdominal region, especially after giving birth.

1. Many people think that crunches or sit-ups are the best exercises, to reduce belly fat and tighten skin in that area, but a Plank is the better choice.  This isometric exercise means, that you are sucking in your belly and holding it tight, and it has been proven to be very effective in tightening muscles throughout the body (especially in the mid-section).  Hold the plank position for two seconds, to start, and work your way up to 15 and 20 seconds.  Before you know it, you will be able to hold this position for 60 seconds.

2. Breastfeeding is a wonderful bonding experience for mommy and baby, and breast milk is a healthy and natural source of nutrition for your infant.  The great news is, that when a woman breastfeeds, calories are turned into the milk, and this in turn, helps a new mommy to lose extra body fat.  It has been documented, that mother who breast fed, lost weight much faster than women who do not breastfeed their babies.

Once you have reached the 31st week of pregnancy, you are literally days away from meeting your baby, and your anticipation is growing.  Once the baby arrives, you are more than likely left with a pregnancy pouch (which is sagging skin at your tummy).  This is not a cause of concern, as it is a natural occurrence.  Your tummy has been steadily stretching for nine continuous months, so give yourself at least that much time, to get that area back to pre-pregnancy status.

It is important to remember, that you have nurtured your infant inside your body for months, so be proud of that wonderment.  Give yourself time to rest and relax, and do not stress, if the baby fat does not come off right away or if the pregnancy pouch lingers, a little longer than expected.  Enjoy the precious gift of motherhood.